Self-interest can be a driving factor behind the success of eco-friendly household products. That’s because beyond the sustainable, earth-friendly ideals they represent, the products in this segment also serve to address issues of personal health.

When I was seven, my dad took up club sports-car racing. Two-seat, open-air roadsters from England, Germany and Italy began to appear in the U.S. Marques like Alfa Romeo, Austin Healey, MG, Porsche and Triumph, as well as Ford-engined AC Cobra and Chevy Corvette made the weekend trek to Lime Rock raceway in northwestern Connecticut for drivers to test their skills.